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How Often Do You Exercise at Home?

FitSugar — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 09:00:00 -0800

There are many benefits to working out at home. With your own home gym, you never have to wait in line to use your equipment, it's conveniently open 24 hours a day, you don't have to waste time in the car getting to it, you don't have to worry about strangers' germs, and you're in charge of the TV. So when it comes to working out . . .

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travelTrainer: Gym in a Bag for Travel or Home

FitSugar — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 14:00:00 -0800

Whether you are traveling a bunch and need some fitness grear or simply want a home gym that fits into a bag, Advantage Fitness Products Travel Trainer might just be for you.

It contains:

TravSudio™ Ultra-ball: Professional grade fitness ball
RapidAire™ Pump Inflates Ultra-ball in approximately 3 minutes
ProTrain Band System: Proprietary anti-snap resistance band system with detachable handles
VersaMat™: Soft textured multi-use exercise mat-ideal for yoga or Pilates
travelTrain™ Carry Case: Quick dry mesh case with shoulder strap and accessory pouch
Interactive TravStudio™ CD: Innovative CD-Rom with over 50 beginning to advanced

The part that closes the deal for me is the pump for the ball. How cool that it inflates the ball in 3 minutes. This means you can keep the deflated ball in the closet of your small studio apartment, pump it up for a workout, then deflate it and store the ball until your next workout in three days. Am I being optimistic? I do think that would be a great home workout schedule - every three days.

If you are traveling the travelTrainer would also be great especially since it comes with its own carrying case.

Buy your travelTRAINER™ Personal Fitness Studio from from Advantage Fitness Products directly.

Amanda Peet: So in Love

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:00:17 -0800

Amanda Peet is undoubtedly feeling great. She's starring in the number one film in the country, and in the December issue of Self the actress shares that nothing brings her more joy than hanging at home with her hubby and baby girl. In fact, the actress credits her husband, screenwriter David Benioff, as being her healthiest habit. Oh, true love!

The 37-year-old actress is not without her envies, though - she wants "boobs, a gentle six-pack, and a perky butt." And when it comes down to it, she secretly wishes for a bod like Gisele Bündchen's or Jennifer Aniston's. Outside of a little admiration, especially since Peet strives to live a life full of balance and a lot of laughs.

To hear Peet's take on health, read more.

Amanda is a big fan of moderation:

"To me, staying healthy means doing everything in moderation. Eat a lot of greens, but in moderation. Exercise, but in moderation. Drink wine, but in moderation. Sleep as much as you can. And have people around you who are very funny."

At the end of the day it all comes back to love for Peet, who says that her 2-year-old daughter is the reason why she stays healthy.

"I do feel like it's important for her to have me be as healthy as I can be. So, you know, I don't want her to have horrible eating habits. I don't want her to never exercise. But obviously I'd much rather have her play a sport than have a gym membership before she's 20. I mean there are kids in LA who go to the gym and they have a trainer. I'm like, Play a sport!"

Check out more shots of the hot mama and visit lilsugar to read more about Amanda on mothering. Also, see lots more photos, quotes on Self.com.

View 5 Photos ›

Reality Check: Ashlee Isn't a No Carbs Kind of Girl

FitSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:00:02 -0800

Even though she lives the So Cal lifestyle, Ashlee Simpson-Wentz told Women's Health that she doesn't starve herself for a Hollywood figure; she simply loves food, and one of her favorite feasts features Mexican fare. Once a week Ashlee and her hubby, Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz, invite family and friends over for taco night. Ashlee told the mag that she's not afraid of cheese, eats cheeseburgers with ranch dressing, and indulges in French fries. But don't spread the rumor that she's eating for two, because she's not, and Ashlee shares that she's even slimmer than ever.

She boasts about devouring whatever she wants, doesn't deprive herself of the foods she craves, and still has such a great figure. To find out what she asys is her secret, read more.

Ashlee's secret weapon is Bronx Pilates! Her 1-year-old son is in her arms all day, and carrying around that extra weight has helped to really tone her arms.

Before she gave birth, Ashlee had gained 50 pounds, and her breasts were up to a size E when she was nursing. So once baby Bronx was two weeks old, she was ready to start losing the extra pounds. A home-delivery meal plan didn't work since she's a big eater. She says, "If I want a grilled cheese sandwich, I'll eat a grilled cheese sandwich." So she turned to exercise, and with the help of a personal trainer, the new mama set up a home gym and started circuit training. Four weeks later, Ashlee had lost half her baby weight. Her diligent workouts have definitely paid off. Of course, this young actress also has her youth and genes to thank. Though she looks amazing now, Ashlee dispels the notion that her bod was a result of Hollywood stress. She says, "I wasn't in a rush to get back to this body for anyone else. It was more like, 'I wanna look good [for me]? I wanna feel good.'"

Ashlee is feeling great and very appreciative of her family and all life has blessed her with. On top of a great career and a healthy son, her hubby is a great source of comfort and support. "Pete isn't worried about stretch marks, " she says, "He always makes me feel sexy."

The way she explains it, she doesn't really do anything currently to maintain her figure. Do you believe it?

Game Review: Your Shape For Wii

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:50:08 -0800

There's a new fitness game in town and it's ready to work you out and make you sweat. Your Shape ($69), a new Wii game by Ubisoft, makes Jenny McCarthy your workout coach and training buddy so you don't have to sweat it out alone.

The game comes with a camera that you perch on your TV; it captures your image and plays it on your TV so you move with a reflection of yourself, like looking in a mirror. The camera also monitors your movements, and if you slack off, Jenny will let you know - she also gives you praise when you make a correction. Who couldn't use an ego boost mid-workout?

To learn more about the game, continue reading.

Smart Ways to Pump Up Your Home Gym: Part II

FitSugar — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 16:00:00 -0700

Buying fitness equipment is not always the easiest task. Finding the right piece for your home gym often means heading into unchartered territory. Everyday Health offers some great tips on making smart fitness buys. (In case you missed it, here's part I.) Here are highlights:

Look for well-built equipment. A sturdy frame, smooth running parts, sufficient horsepower (if motorized), and a comfortable feel are all key elements. Also, ask the dealer about warranties, return policies, repair records, and service costs.

Make sure you understand the full cost of the equipment. Read the fine print to see if items such as shipping and handling, sales tax, and set-up fees are included.

Look for features that you'll really use. Fancy add-ons such as computer-programmed displays are nice to have, but they can inflate the bottom line. However, you may feel some extras are worthwhile - for instance, if knowing how many calories you're burning will act as a motivator or if features such as a reading rack, water bottle holder, or seat and tension adjusters will make your workout more appealing.

There's more great tips so read more.

Learn how to use your equipment properly. From stair machines to stability balls, exercise equipment can be dangerous if used incorrectly. It's a good idea to consult a qualified fitness professional to learn how to use any new equipment you purchase. Many dealers offer a complimentary training session when you buy a large piece of equipment.

Be careful when buying large equipment secondhand. It is cheaper, but warranties aren't likely to apply, and usually you cannot return the equipment. If you buy from a gym, the equipment is more likely to be heavy-duty. However, it's also more likely to have seen heavy use.

Do you have any buying tips of your own? Share them below.
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Recession Proof Your Workout: DIY Home Exercise Equipment

FitSugar — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 03:30:00 -0700

The economy is on almost everyone's minds these days, but it's important that despite the tough times, we keep ahead of our health. If you're trying to cut back on your costs, you can easily transform a few items at home into your exercise equipment. The Mayo Clinic had a few good ideas as to how. They are:

Canned goods. Many canned goods can serve double duty as hand weights.
Milk or water jugs. Fill empty milk or water jugs with water or sand and secure the tops with duct tape. To adjust the weights as your fitness level changes, simply add more water or sand. If you wonder how much weight you're lifting, simply weigh the jug on your household scale.
Step stools. A low, sturdy step stool can become exercise equipment if you use it for step training - an aerobic exercise resembling stair climbing.

I've got a few ideas of my own to add to the list so read more.

Water bottles. Just like canned goods, water bottles make a great supplement for hand weights (and they won't damage your floor if you drop them). Need to beef it up? Detergent bottles do the trick too.
Chairs. Use a sturdy chair to do tricep dips and inclined push-ups. Have someone spot you to make sure the chair does not flip over.
Walls. Use your walls for push-ups (hands against the wall), stretching, and wall sits.
Stairs. Even if you only have a few stairs in your house, you can use them to climb - up and down.

If this sounds like something you could do, then be sure to check out this 10-minute workout that anyone can do at home.

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Late Night Home Workout Ideas

FitSugar — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 04:00:00 -0700

I know I am not alone when I admit that when the season Premiere of the Biggest Loser ended, I wanted to workout. I find that show so motivating. Unless you belong to a 24 hour gym, chances are low you are going to head to the gym at 10pm. You can harness that motivation and workout in the convenience of your own home! Here are a few ways to make a home workout work even if it's late.

So what if it is 10 pm, the gym is closed and your downstairs neighbors are sleeping. There are plenty of exercises you can do at home.
Push ups, planks, side plank and elbow planks are quiet and will work your upper body and core!
Sit ups of all variations work wonders day or night. If noise is an issue, the slower you do them the less noise you will make. Looking for a new abs routine? Check out this Short, Sweet and Complete Abs video.
If you have hand weights you can do a wide variety of exercises that make absolutely no noise - except for your breath, of course!
Say you are in the mood for alternating reverse lunges, don't let sleeping folks around you keep you from lunging, just make your lunges as quiet and controlled as possible - this will make you work even harder and challenge your coordination.
If you can rock out, try an exercise DVD - here are some that I have reviewed. Pilates and yoga tend to make less noise than cardio if noise is a consideration.
Stretch! Flexibility training is an essential part of fitness that is quiet and easy to do. Plus it is a great way to calm down after a busy day. Chances are high a short stretching session will motivate you to workout the next day!

Fit's Tip: Contrary to popular belief, exercising before going to bed doesn't interfere with sleep. If you feel super awake after exercising, try a nice soothing bathe since they tend to promote sleep over invigorating showers.

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Build Your Own Home Gym

FitSugar — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 12:30:00 -0800

I am always telling you guys about great and new gadgets (useful and not) for working out at home. If you're looking to start your own home gym here is what you may want to include. The starred items are essentials, whereas the others are just bonuses but great if you have an entire room (and budget) dedicated to a gym.

Ball*
Exercise Band* (Think about getting a door attachment too)
Dumbbells*
Exercise mat*
Towels
Bosu
Jump rope
TV with DVD player
Cardio machine/s
Medicine Balls
Step
Bench
Water cooler
Yoga props (blocks, strap, etc)
Fan

Did I miss anything? Is there a piece of equipment in your home gym that you find essential that I didn't list? If so, let me know below.

Get Physical: At Home Partner Circuits

FitSugar — Sun, 04 May 2008 02:30:00 -0700

Everyone has a bit more time on the weekends, so it should be easier to rope in a buddy to do alternating cardio circuits with you. Exercising with a friend can not only keep you on track, but it doubles the fun too. Here's how to create a circuit plan for you and your buddy.

Create a plan by picking a type, or types if you're so inclined, of cardio and a time limit – somewhere between two minutes and five minutes works best.
At home, I have an elliptical so we use it for our alternating cardio times (plus it acts as our timer), but you could use a wide variety of cardio elements to alternate with your strength training moves. Here are a few examples:
- Jumping rope (or pretending to if you don't have the rope).
- Running around the block, or to the corner and back.
- Step ups onto a stair, stool, or chair.
- Jumping jacks
- Climbing stairs

There's a bit more to planning, so read more.

Then you pick five to ten strength training moves:
- lunges
- squats
- push ups
- ab work
- burpees
- plank with reverse row
Put it all together. One person does cardio for the prescribed time and the other person does strength training moves for the same time period, and it is best to combine strength training moves so for a three minute period alternate between squats and push ups, or push ups and planks, or ab work and lunges. You get the picture.

Try it and see how it goes. Remember to be flexible in creating your joint workout so everybody's needs are met. That reminds me, don't forget to stretch either!

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